Utilization of quantum wires in MEMS actuators

Abstract

A mesh of quantum wires is utilized in a non-conductive material to improve its conductivity. The non-conductive material can be highly expansive interposed in the mesh. The expansive material is ideally polytetrafluoroethylene which has a high coefficient of thermal expansion and the wires can comprise carbon nanotubes.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method of constructing one or more electrically conductive portions within a substantially non-conductive material comprising embedding quantum wires of a substantially conductive material within said portions. 
     
     
       2. A thermal actuator comprising a substantially non-conductive, heat expansive material having a predetermined portion thereof rendered electrically conductive by the incorporation of a series of quantum wires of a substantially conductive material. 
     
     
       3. An actuator as claimed in claim 2 wherein said non-conductive, heat expansive material comprise substantially polytetrafluoroethylene. 
     
     
       4. An actuator as claimed in either of claims 2 or 3 wherein said conductive material comprises substantially carbon. 
     
     
       5. A thermal actuator comprising first and second layers of substantially non-conductive, heat expansive materials, wherein one of said layers incorporates quantum wires of a substantially conductive material interposed with said substantially non-conductive, expansive material. 
     
     
       6. A thermal actuator as claimed in claim 5 wherein said layer incorporating said quantum wires includes predetermined non-conductive areas. 
     
     
       7. An actuator as claimed in either claim 5 or claim 6 wherein said layers of non-conductive, expansive material comprises substantially polytetrafluoroethylene. 
     
     
       8. An actuator as claimed in either claim 5 or claim 6 wherein said conductive material comprises substantially carbon.